Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How was the Grand Canyon formed?A: When the Colorado Plateau began to uplift, the Colorado River simply cut its way through it as it rose. Over millions of years, the river had time to carve through the sedimentary rock, the upper layers of the Colorado Plateau, which erodes easily. The river did not have to work that hard then, as opposed to now where it runs through a rock layer composed of granite, which does not erode as easily.

Q: When is the best time of the year to visit the North Rim?A: The North Rim is open from May 15 to October 15 of each year. Since the North Rim is 1000 feet higher than the South Rim at an elevation of 8500 ft, it is much cooler during the summer months and much colder during the winter. Early and late in the season, you can expect highs in the high 60s and lows in the 40s (Fahrenheit). In the middle of the season, the highs are in the 80s with lows in the 60s.

Q: How far is it to the South Rim and how do people get across the Grand Canyon?A: Driving to the other side will take about 5 hours for the 210 mile trip. It is a very scenic drive. Hiking is the shortest route across, only 21 miles. This typically takes at least 2 - 3 days, via the Bright Angel or South Kaibab and North Kaibab Trails with overnight stays at Bright Angel Campground or lodging at Phantom Ranch.

Q: Do you offer shuttle service to trail heads?A: We offer a complimentary shuttle to the Kaibab trail head twice daily. Guests will need to contact the front desk the day prior to their use of the shuttle service to reserve a spot on the shuttle.

Q: Is there cell phone service at the North Rim?A: Cell phone reception is limited at the North Rim. Depending on your service provider you may get service on the Rim

Q: Is there a campground? A: There is a campground about a mile up the road from the lodge. To make a reservation please visit the recreation.gov website or call 877-444-6777.

Q: What is there to do at the North Rim? A: There are a variety of great attractions at the North Rim. The North Rim provides trails for beginners and the most avid hikers. Relax and watch the sunrise or sunset at one of our many amazing vistas. Take a mule ride for unforgettable memories! Daily ranger programs are also an educational and fun way to experience the canyon.

Q: Are there children's programs? A: Explore the opportunities available with the National Park Service to help your child become a Junior Ranger during their visit to the North Rim. The National Park Service Rangers host this program and more for all young visitors to the park. Visit www.NPS.gov to learn more about the program as well as other youth activities.

Q: How far in advance do I have to make lodging reservations for the Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim? A: We recommend booking your lodging reservations at least six months to a year in advance due to high demand.

Q: Do all rooms have a view? A: We have six cabins specifically designated as "Rim View" rooms, and fourteen cabins that sit on the rim with wooded views. Not all of our rooms have a direct view of the canyon but all are within walking distance from the spectacular view.

Q: Is there a pool at the Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim? A: Unfortunately, there is no pool at the Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim.

Q: What are the sunrise/sunset times and moon phases? A: If you are interested in sunrise/sunset times as well as moon phases, you can visit the National Park Service website for more information. Additionally, you can visit the North Rim Visitor Center during your trip to find information on any special activities the rangers may have for these viewings.

Q: Where are other nearby places to stay at the North Rim? A: The Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim is the only lodging located on the north side of Grand Canyon National Park. The next closest lodging facilities would be the Kaibab Lodge (928-638-2389), located 18 miles from the Lodge and Jacob Lake Inn (928-643-7232) which is 45 miles from the Lodge. The next largest city from the North Rim is Kanab, Utah, where you can stay at the famous Parry Lodge.

Q: How far in advance do I have to make dining reservations for the Lodge's dining room? A: Reservations can be made in advance on February 1st of the year that you plan to arrive. To make a reservation, please call 928-645-6865 (February 1st through April 15th) or 928-638-2611 (May 15th through Oct 14th).

Q: Can we order food from the dining room to go? A: Food-to-go can be ordered from the dining room during their normal business hours. The Deli in the Pines, located in the Lodge complex, is also a great choice for to-go food.

Q: Does the Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim include accessibility options?A: To learn more about our accessibility in the area, please click here.

Forever Resorts is an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service and state and public agencies, and operates under special use permits with the USDA Forest Service. Forever Resorts is a Committed Equal Opportunity Service Provider.